This week, Mohonk faces another setback: A lawsuit filed by two New Jersey residents who claim Mohonk management knew a norovirus was spreading around the resort, and did not warn incoming guests to stay away.

In the lawsuit -- posted on Scribd in full by the Freeman -- the Bellottis are seeking to bring a class-action suit on behalf of themselves and other Mohonk patrons. The Bellottis claim that there are over 200 people who may have gotten sick after visiting Mohonk in January or February, or who contracted the norovirus from a Mohonk guest.

After many guests and staff came down with a fast-moving stomach bug, the Mohonk Mountain House voluntarily closed down from Feb. 7 til Feb. 14, and hired a 200-person sanitation crew from disaster cleanup company BMS Cat to disinfect the entire resort. It was the first closure in Mohonk's 145-year history, the Freeman reports.

Nina Smiley, Mohonk's director of marketing, told the Watershed Post that she could not comment on the Bellottis' lawsuit.

"We're not able to comment on a legal matter," she said. "I just want to assure you and others that the Mountain House has been completely and thoroughly cleaned by a company that specializes in this area. We are pleased to be open, and our focus is on making sure that our guests enjoy their stay."

A family-owned 259-room Victorian resort perched atop the stunning Shawangunks, Mohonk is an icon in the region, and beloved by locals and tourists alike. Many Mohonk guests and friends of the Smiley family have left encouraging messages on the resort's Facebook wall in the wake of the outbreak.

By all accounts the norovirus is the worst event to ever visit the paradise, but like all adversity, the place will only be better for having survived it. Like much in life it is easy to take for granted what has always been there. The monolithic tower looking down on the valley reminds me of a lighthouse amidst an ocean of people. I know I am home when I see it.